If you need to upgrade a server running Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard to either the Enterprise, or Datacenter editions, it's possible to do so online, without re-installing Windows. Open an elevated command prompt and type DISM /Online /Get-CurrentEdition. This will return the current Windows version. SoftwareMedia is a certified reseller on Windows Server. And Windows 10 for your business all. Windows Server 2003 Standard R2 SP2 with 5 CALs OEM.

Hello Everyone, I am trying to rebuild an old Dell 1900 server but unfortunately the server did not come with any reinstallation media. I have contacted Dell and was told that since this OS is so old they do not have anymore copies and suggested I contact Microsoft. I tried getting support from Microsoft but they pretty much said the same thing. Can anyone suggest a way for me obtain a legal copy? I still have the license key and the original hardware. The specific edition I need is Windows Server Stand 2003 R2 1-4 CPU 5CLT (this how it appears on the server's Microsoft sticker).

Duke90 wrote: The business I'm supporting is currently on a very tight budget. I was thinking about getting a new copy of Server 2008 but they are only OEM editions available and did not want to risk wasting money on a new Windows license in case of a hardware failure. That's what the Microsoft Volume Licensing program is for.

Open Business plans allow you to have downgrade rights to the previous version. For instance, to qualify you need 5 sku's. I purchased a pack of 5 CALs, 2 Office 2013 licenses and a Server 2012 license. I over qualified. I used the Server 2012 license to deploy a Server 2008 R2 standard system due to constraints on my network.

Duke90 wrote: I don't quite follow.I'm trying to rebuild the system. Windows is encountering a lot of errors and the OS partition is too small for continued operations. Your reinstalling the OS correct? If you don't have the media and one of the links that I posted earlier do not help, then you are going to have to purchase a new license. The links I posted are links in which I responded to other poster's asking the same thing you are, and one of them even metions the same server you have (Dell 1900). Musicas Nickelback Download on this page. My above post was an explanation of the MS LV program and why it's the preferred route to obtaining software instead of buying it on eBay or getting it through a torrent.

Duke90 wrote: Oh I completely agree. But the way I see it is they'll be able to rely on this box for another year or so and in that time they would be able to increase their capital and invest more on newer IT solutions. Are you certain you're going to get another year out of this box? I have the same server and had to replace two hard drives on it in the last two years. I think mine has the same sticker on it.

Since hardware was failing and it was out of warranty, I opted to just do a P2V conversion and placed it on one of our Hyper-v setups. I might have the two Dell discs that came with it. Even with those, I think you should seriously consider Bill Kindle's advice on this. Duke90 wrote: kindofageek, I know the box is very old, going on 6+ years now, but we haven't had any issues with it up to this point. I think it's worth a try and rebuild it. If you don't mind do you think it possible for you to send me the discs?

I can wire you some money to cover the shipping costs. I couldn't accept money for them. I don't even know if I have the discs anyways. I truly think you need to follow the previously given advice and purchase new licensing.

Edit: I understand the reluctance. But I think trying to stick with an outdated server and an outdated server OS is simply dangerous.